Competitive Risk Analysis of Prognosis in Patients With Cecum Cancer: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of competing risks means that the results obtained using the classic Cox proportional-hazards model for the factors affecting the prognosis of patients diagnosed with cecum cancer (CC) may be biased. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish a competitive risk model for patients diagnosed with CC to evaluate the relevant factors affecting the prognosis of patients, and to compare the results with the classical COX proportional risk model. METHODS: We extracted data on patients diagnosed with CC registered between 2004 and 2016 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The univariate analysis utilized the cumulative incidence function and Gray's test, while a multivariate analysis was performed using the Fine-Gray, cause-specific (CS), and Cox proportional-hazards models. RESULTS: The 54463 eligible patients diagnosed with CC included 24387 who died: 12087 from CC and 12300 from other causes. The multivariate Fine-Gray analysis indicated that significant factors affecting the prognosis of patients diagnosed with CC include: age, race, AJCC stage, differentiation grade, tumor size, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and regional lymph nodes metastasis. Due to the presence of competitive risk events, COX model results could not provide accurate estimates of effects and false-negative results occurred. In addition, COX model misestimated the direction of association between regional lymph node metastasis and cumulative risk of death in patients diagnosed with CC. Competitive risk models tend to be more advantageous when analyzing clinical survival data with multiple endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: The present study can help clinicians to make better clinical decisions and provide patients diagnosed with CC with better support.

Serum lipid profiles and risk of colorectal cancer: a prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether serum lipids influence colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 380,087 adults aged 40-69 years in the UK Biobank. Serum high-density cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein A and B were measured. We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) of CRC according to one standard deviation (SD) increment in serum lipids. We conducted subgroup analysis by tumour anatomical subsites. RESULTS: During a median of 10.3 years of follow-up, we documented 2667 incident CRC cases. None of the lipid biomarkers was associated with the risk of CRC after adjusting for potential confounding factors, including body mass index and waist circumference. When assessed by cancer subsites, serum triglycerides was associated with an increased risk of cancer in the caecum and transverse colon, with the HR of 1.12 (95% CI, 1.00-1.25) and 1.29 (95% CI, 1.09-1.53), respectively; and apolipoprotein A was associated with a lower risk of hepatic flexure cancer (HR, 0.73, 95% CI, 0.56-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Serum lipid profiles were not associated with colorectal cancer risk after adjusting for obesity indicators. The potential subsite-specific effects of triglycerides and apolipoprotein A require further confirmation.

Neoplasias malignas primarias del apéndice cecal: estudio comparativo entre 2 hospitales regionales / Primary malignant tumors of appendix

Background: Primary malignant tumors of appendix are uncommon and usually found during the pathological examination of surgical pieces of appendectomies. Aim: To report the clinical and pathological features of appendiceal malignant tumors. Material and Methods: Review of medical and pathological reports of patients subjected to an appendectomy between 1998 and 2006 in two regional hospitals. Results: Fifteen appendiceal malignant tumors in 2,687 pathological studies were detected (0.55 percent of all studies) in one hospital. In the other 10 tumors were detected in 4,939 studies (0.2 percent). Nine bearers of tumors were male. In each hospital 93 and 80 percent of patients had an acute appendicitis, respectively. The pathology report informed a neuroendocrine tumor in 87 and 70 percent of patients of each hospital, respectively, followed by non-Hodgkin lymphoma and adenocarcinoma. In nine patients a staging study was performed. Four patients died during follow up, one of them due to tumor disseminations. Conclusions: Although appendiceal tumors appear in only 0.3 percent of all appendectomies, the pathological study of the excised appendix is fundamental for the diagnosis.

Introducción: Las neoplasias malignas primarias del apéndice cecal son infrecuentes, generando un gran problema diagnóstico, evidenciándose la mayoría de las veces de forma incidental en el estudio histopatológico (EH). Nuestro objetivo es analizar y comparar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, quirúrgicas e histológicas de las neoplasias malignas primarias apendiculares en dos hospitales regionales de alta prevalencia en cáncer. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos, se seleccionó pacientes con diagnóstico de neoplasia apendicular maligna en los Hospitales Regionales de Antofagasta (HRA) y Valdivia (HRV) entre 1998-2006, se excluyeron pacientes con neoplasias malignas secundarias. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva y χ2. Resultados: En HRA se pesquisaron 15 (0,55 por ciento) casos de tumores malignos primarios en 2.687 EH, en HRV se encontraron 10 (0,20 por ciento) casos en 4.939 EH. Siendo el universo muestral de 25 pacientes. En HRA, 8 fueron en hombres y 7 en mujeres, con edad media de 30 años. En HRV fueron 1 y 9 respectivamente, con edad media de 37,4 años. El 93 por ciento y el 80 por ciento se presentaron como cuadro apendicular agudo respectivamente. La histopatología evidenció Tumor Neuroendocrino (MET) en 87 por ciento y 70 por ciento respectivamente, seguido por Linfoma no Hodgkin y adenocarcinoma. Se realizó estudio de extensión en 4 y 5 pacientes respectivamente, cuatro pacientes fallecieron en el período de seguimiento, uno a causa de diseminación. Discusión: En ambos centros la presentación clínica fue similar, el NET fue el más frecuente. La incidencia fue significativamente mayor en HRA, p < 0,05. El estudio histopatológico rutinario es fundamental para el diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Incidence of right-sided colonic tumors (non-appendiceal) in patient's ≥40 years of age presenting with features of acute appendicitis.

INTRODUCTION: Non-appendiceal tumors can mimic and present with clinical features of acute appendicitis in patients of age 40 years or above. The aim of this prospective study is to investigate the incidence of right-sided (non-appendiceal) colonic tumors in patients presenting with clinical features of acute appendicitis. METHODS: A prospective data analysis of 1662 patients using appendectomy database was performed from 2005 to 2011. Patients above age 40 years or older were included. Patients were compared for demographic data, clinical presentation, radiological findings, operative technique & findings, histo-pathological findings and postoperative complications. The primary outcome was incidence of right-sided colonic (non-appendiceal) tumors presenting with features of acute appendicitis. Secondary outcomes measured were, role of diagnostic radiology, negative appendectomy rate, length of stay and changing trends in operative techniques. RESULTS: From 1662 patients initially reviewed, only 179 patients (10.77%) age 40 years or above mean (56 ± 11.75), median 54 (40-89), with clinical features of acute appendicitis were included in the final analysis. F:M ratio was (1:1.06). CT scan showed in only 1 patient (1.25%, OR = 0.806, p = 0.695), suspicion of cecal tumor and underwent right hemicolectomy. Histological examination of specimen showed, 2 patients (1.11%, OR = 1.10, p = 0.47) had primary appendiceal tumors, in which one patient was histologically reported as appendiceal mucocele (mucinous cystadenoma with low-grade dysplasia), while the other one had appendeceal carcinoid (Goblet cell carcinoid). In the other tumor group one patient had metastatic involvement of appendix from ovarian tumor. The time to appendectomy in radiological group was delayed by (9.2 ± 3.7 h). 131 (73.1%) had laparoscopic while 48 (26.81%) underwent open appendectomy. The negative appendectomy rate was (1.12%) and 30 days complication rate was (11.73%, p = 0.27). Mean length of stay was 3.54 ± 2.1 days. CONCLUSION: Right-sided colonic (cecal) tumors rarely present with features of acute appendicitis. Only those patients with atypical presentation and findings should have pre-operative radiological evaluation.

Management of the acute appendix mass: a survey of surgical practice.

Management of the appendix mass is controversial with no consensus in the literature. Traditionally, the approach has been conservative followed by interval appendicectomy. A survey was distributed to 117 surgeons (100 consultants and 17 final year specialist registrars) to determine how the appendix mass is currently treated in Ireland. In total, 70 surgeons responded. 51 (73%) adopt a conservative approach initially. 48 (68%) favoured interval appendicectomy at six weeks after a period of successful conservative management. 34 (49%) gave risk of recurrence as the reason for performing interval appendicectomy and 16 (22%) would perform interval appendicectomy in order to obtain histological analysis to outrule caecal or appendiceal neoplasm. 44 (63%) opted for a laparoscopic rather than an open approach for interval appendicectomy. No consensus exists in Ireland for management of the appendix mass presenting acutely. The present series demonstrates a trend towards conservative approach initially followed by interval appendicectomy.

Colorectal cancer in Asians: a demographic and anatomic survey in Malaysian patients undergoing colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of gastrointestinal cancer in the world today. In the Asia-Pacific area, it is the fastest emerging gastrointestinal cancer. AIM: To determine the basic demographic features of patients with colorectal cancer and the anatomic distribution and characteristics of the tumour in a local Asian population. METHODS: We conducted a review of consecutive patients who had undergone colonoscopy from 1999 to 2003 at the University of Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. RESULTS: Analysis was carried out on 3404 patients who underwent colonoscopy. A total of 228 patients (7%) were diagnosed with carcinoma. The mean age of diagnosis (+/-s.d.) was 64.4 +/- 13.1 years. The male to female ratio was 1.15. Polyps were noted in 470 patients (14%). Polyps detected concomitantly with a colorectal cancer were noted in 55 patients (2%). Four patients (0.1%) were diagnosed to have familial adenomatous polyposis coli. Of the 228 patients 209 (92%) had tumours at only one site whereas 19 (8%) had synchronous lesions. Tumours were mainly left sided [198 of 248 patients (80%)] with the majority located in the recto-sigmoid region. Detailed records of treatment were available only in 176 patients. A total of 147 of 176 patients (84%) underwent surgery and 50 (28%) also received adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy (28%). Seven of 154 patients (5%) were diagnosed to have stage A cancers, 64 (42%), stage B, 23 (15%), stage C and 60 (39%), stage D. Multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age > or =65 years (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.35- 2.36) and Malay (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.30-3.35) and Chinese (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.77-2.69) race were significant independent predictive factors for colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The demography of colorectal cancer is different from western patients. Tumours were mainly left sided in our patients. However, no differences in anatomic location were found between races, men and women and younger and older age groups. Colorectal cancer presented in an advanced stage in the majority of patients.

Synchronous gastric stromal tumor and cecal adenocarcinoma.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare intestinal tumors. There have been reports of this tumor occurring with other conditions and tumors. We report a 55-year-old man who presented with a gastric stromal tumor and cecal adenocarcinoma, necessitating right hemicolectomy and partial gastrectomy at the same sitting.

Colonic histoplasmosis presenting as colon cancer in the nonimmunocompromised patient: report of a case and review of the literature.

Histoplasma capsulatum is an important pathogen that is the most commonly diagnosed endemic mycosis in the gastrointestinal tract of immunocompromised hosts. Failure to recognize and treat disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients invariably leads to death. Gastrointestinal manifestations frequently involve the terminal ileum and cecum, and depending on the layer of bowel wall involved present as bleeding, obstruction, perforation, or peritonitis. Because they can be variable in appearance, they may be mistaken for Crohn's disease or malignant tumors. Four distinct pathologic patterns of GI histoplasmosis have been described that all have differing clinical presentations. We report a case of a non-AIDS patient who presented with a near-obstructing colonic mass suspicious for advanced malignancy but was found to have histoplasmosis on final pathology. The patient underwent successful operative resection, systemic anti-fungal therapy, and extensive workup for immunosuppressive disorders, which were negative. The patient was from an area in Mexico known to be endemic for histoplasmosis. This is the first report of a colonic mass lesion occurring in a non-AIDS patient, and review of the worldwide literature regarding GI histoplasmosis reveals excellent long-term survival with aggressive therapy. We discuss the surgical and medical management of colonic histoplasmosis in this report.

Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the colon: report of a case.

A malignant rhabdoid tumor of the colon is very rare and only three cases have been previously described. A 76-year-old man was admitted to the hospital complaining of epigastralgia. An elastic mass was palpable in the right upper abdomen. A barium enema and endoscopic examination showed a giant gyrate tumor arising from the cecum. Abdominal ultrasonography and a computed tomography scan revealed the tumor to be located in the colon associated with multiple liver metastases and gallbladder stones. A right colectomy and cholecystectomy were thus performed. The tumor was histologically composed of sheets of large round and polygonal nuclei with vesicular chromatin, and abundant acidophilic cytoplasm, often containing hyalin-like inclusion. The cytoplasm was positive for vimentin and neuron-specific enolase, and hyaline globules of the rhabdoid tumor cells stained positive for cytokeratin in some cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed characteristic rhabdoid cells with an aggregation of intermediate filaments. A histologic diagnosis of malignant rhabdoid tumor of the colon was made. The tumor demonstrated several unusual findings for malignant rhabdoid tumors including diploidy by a flow cytometric analysis, and positive nuclear immunohistochemical staining for p53 protein and Ki-67 antigen. We report herein the third known case of a pure colonic rhabdoid tumor.

The incidence of aberrant crypt foci and colonic carcinoma in dimethylhydrazine-treated rats varies in a site-specific manner and depends on tumor histology.

In an attempt to demonstrate the relationship between aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and subsequent colonic neoplasms, we investigated the distribution of ACF in the dimethylhydrazine (DMH) model of colonic carcinogenesis in the rat. DMH was given to male Wistar rats by s.c. injection in a dosage of 15 mg/kg body weight once a week for 19 weeks. As a result, eight poorly differentiated, mucin-secreting carcinomas, two well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinomas, and four adenomas developed in 35 rats autopsied at 24 weeks after the first injection of DMH. The location of each type of tumor was site specific. Poorly differentiated, mucin-secreting carcinomas of signet-ring type occurred only in the proximal colon; the mean location of these lesions was 17.6 +/- 3.8% (SE; range, 0-39%) of the length of the colon. Well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinomas and adenomas developed in the distal colon; the mean location of these lesions was 76.7% +/- 4.9 (SE; range, 60-90%) of the length of the colon. There was a mean number of 276 +/- 29 (SE) ACF per colon; these were present at between 40 and 90% of the colonic length, peaking at 70%. We conclude that ACF are marker lesions for colonic neoplasms, but only in the distal colon where tumors follow the adenoma-carcinoma sequence; this is not so for the proximal colon, where poorly differentiated, mucin-secreting carcinomas are found. These findings suggest that these latter tumors well may arise de novo and indicate that studies that attempt to correlate ACF with subsequent tumor formation must take cognizance, not only of the site, but also of the tumor type.

Caecal disease in equids.

OBJECTIVE: To review the breed, age, gender, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of horses with caecal disease presented to a referral centre. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 96 cases. PROCEDURE: The breed, age, and gender of the study population were compared with the corresponding hospital population for the same period. The means (+/- SD) for clinical and laboratory findings were recorded for each caecal disorder. Treatment was categorised as medical or surgical, and outcome was recorded. RESULTS: Caecal diseases included impaction (40% of total cases), rupture associated with concurrent unrelated disease (13%), rupture with parturition (9%), rupture with no associated disease (5%), infarction (11%), torsion (9%), abscess or adhesion (7%), tumour (3%), and miscellaneous conditions (3%). The breed or gender of affected horses did not differ from the hospital population, although horses > 15 years were more frequently represented (P < 0.05). This age group was specifically more predisposed to caecal impaction (P < 0.05), as were Arabian, Morgan, and Appaloosa breeds (P < 0.05). In horses with caecal impaction transrectal examination was the most useful diagnostic procedure; 90% of affected horses treated medically were discharged while horses treated by typhlotomy alone, or typhlotomy and blind end ileocolostomy, had survival rates to discharge of 71% and 86%, respectively. Horses with caecal rupture associated with concurrent un-related disease showed no signs of impending rupture; all were receiving phenylbutazone, all were euthanased, and 50% had caecal ulceration at necropsy. Of horses with caecal rupture with parturition 56% had prior dystocia; in two-thirds the site of rupture was the ileocaecal junction and all were euthanased. Horses with caecal rupture with no associated disease died or were euthanased; rupture was idiopathic. Horses with caecal infarction usually had signs of abdominal pain and abdominal fluid changes consistent with peritonitis; transrectal examination was nonspecific, and typhlectomy was successful in seven of eight horses. Horses with caecal torsion had signs of severe, acute abdominal pain and typhlectomy was successful in three of five horses. Diagnosis of caecal adhesion or abscess was assisted by transrectal palpation in two of seven horses and surgical treatment was successful in two of five horses. A caecal tumour was diagnosed in three horses aged 20 years or older that presented with chronic weight loss. Other caecal diseases were uncommon. CONCLUSION: Caecal disease is uncommon in equids but some specific features of the history and physical findings can alert the veterinarian to the possibility of caecal involvement in horses with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Medical or surgical therapy can be effective in horses where caecal rupture has not occurred.

Cancer of the colon and rectum in the first three decades of life.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recently an increasing number of young colorectal carcinoma patients attending the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur were noted. This report represents our experience with patients suffering from colorectal cancer aged 30 years or younger. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases of primary carcinoma of the colon and rectum admitted to the University Hospital during 1990 to 1994 were respectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria was that the patient had been 30 years or younger. Data collected included age, gender, race, site of tumour, presenting symptomatology, duration of symptoms, histology, extension of tumour and nodal involvement predisposing factors, treatment and follow-up. RESULTS: 21 patients were included, 5 patients (24%) were 30 years old at diagnosis, 12 (57%) patients were aged 20-29 years and 4 patients (19%) were less than 20 years old. Thirteen of the 21 patients were female, and 8 (38%) were male, 6 of the 21 patients (29%) were Malaysian, while 1 was Indian (4%). The remainder were Chinese, 14 patients (67%). Six patients (29%) had their primary tumour located in the rectosigmoid, 4 (19%) in the left colon, 1 (4%) in the splenic flexure, 2 in the transverse colon (9%), 1 in the hepatic flexure (4%) and 5 in the caecum 24(%). One patient had a tumour too diffuse to detect a primary site at the time of operation. One patient with a family history of polyps had his entire colon removed at age 14. He had 3 separate foci of tumour. The 5-year survival rate was 25%. DISCUSSION: Most patients with extensive disease and mucinous histology. Lesions are commonly seen beyond the transverse colon (57%). Presentation included most commonly abdominal pain, haematochezia or haemoccult positive stools. CONCLUSION: The symptoms above should alert surgeons to colorectal carcinoma as a differential diagnosis.

Changes in the localization of colorectal cancer: implications for clinical practice.

A hospital-based study was performed in order to examine the subsite distribution of colorectal cancer diagnosed in 1992-93 in the Zaanstreek region. The localization was compared with tumours diagnosed in the years 1972-73 and 1982-83. The number of colorectal cancers has markedly increased, and a significant rise in localization of tumours proximal to the splenic flexure has occurred (32% in 1972-73 to 43% in 1992-93). There also appears to be greater incidence of colorectal cancer in women. A trend towards an increase of proximal localization of tumours in women was noted. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are discussed. The results of this study suggest the importance of improved diagnostic accuracy in colorectal cancer and, in addition, may have consequences for screening programmes.

[Occlusions by colonic cancers: emergency treatment (62 cases)]. / Occlusions par cancers coliques: traitement en urgence (62 cas).

Sixty two patients (38 men, 24 women) were operated in emergency for colic occlusion from neoplasia. The mean age was 69.6 (+/- 12.71). Fourty four (70%) had an history of cardiovascular disease. Tumor resection has been possible in 95% of cases. The mortality was 24.19% in the first two months postoperatively and 11% between the second and the fourth month. The morbidity was 32.2% and the mean length of stay in hospital was 22 days (+/- 16.6). The morbidity was less in case of right hemicolectomy (17.3 days) than for left colic resections (26 days). The postoperative mortality was not correlated to age but to lost of weight more than 10 kg (p < 0.0001) and to a mean central preoperative temperature more than 37.5 degrees C (p < 0.002). Reducing the number of surgical procedures is beneficial in patients older than 70 years.

Acute appendicitis is rarely the initial presentation of cecal cancer in the elderly patient.

Acute appendicitis is rarely the initial presentation of carcinoma of the cecum in elderly patients. A 20-year retrospective review of all patients 65 years of age or older presenting with proven acute appendicitis at the Montefiore Medical Center confirms this opinion. In only 1.8% of patients was acute appendicitis the initial presentation of an underlying carcinoma of the cecum.

Variation in colorectal cancer incidence in the United States by subsite of origin.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer incidence rates vary widely internationally, by race and gender, and have changed over time. Investigation of the patterns by subsite within the colorectum may suggest clues of possible etiologic significance for further study. METHODS: Using population-based data on more than 120,000 cases diagnosed 1976-1987 in the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, colorectal cancer incidence was evaluated by subsite of origin. RESULTS: Little racial variation was evident for cecum and ascending colon cancers; rates were higher among blacks than whites for transverse and descending colon cancers but lower for sigmoid, rectosigmoid, and rectal cancers. Rates generally increased over time for most colon sites, especially sigmoid colon among white men, but declined slightly for rectal cancer among whites. The sex ratio increased among whites monotonically from 1.12 for cecum to 1.71 for rectal cancers. The distal colon cancer excess among men was most notable at older ages, contrasting with slightly higher rates among women at younger ages. Geographic differences were particularly notable for transverse and rectosigmoid colon cancers. CONCLUSIONS: It may be fruitful for future studies to evaluate factors affecting colorectal carcinogenesis by subsite of origin.

A sub-site-specific analysis of the relationship between colorectal cancer and parity in complete male and female Norwegian birth cohorts.

Register and census data for complete cohorts of Norwegian men and women born between 1935 and 1969 have been used to examine the relationship between reproductive factors and the incidence of colorectal cancer. Among 1.1 million men and 1.1 million women under observation, 491 male and 859 female cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed during the period of follow-up. Our hazard model estimates clearly show that in these young cohorts, women with 2 or more children run a lower risk of having a malignant tumor in the cecum or ascending colon than do other women of the same age and in the same birth cohort. No association with parity is found with respect to cancer in the transverse or descending colon, whereas a downward trend in the effect estimates, followed by an upturn, appears for the rectum, sigmoid colon and rectosigmoid junction. Such correlations, which also hold when we control for education and place of residence, are not found for men. The observed relationship between parity and cancer incidence is not likely to be exclusively explained by life-style differentials. Presumably, there is a biological effect of the number of pregnancies and deliveries, net of age at first birth and other reproductive factors, on the development of colorectal cancer.